In September 2025, our Replication City Ioannina, took a significant step toward sustainable, people-centered urban mobility. For two Saturdays and five Sundays, the lakeside road around the Castle was temporarily pedestrianised, offering residents and visitors a safe, green, and vibrant space for walking, cycling, and community activities.

The initiative culminated on Sunday, 28 September, when the area was fully dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. Over the weekends, the streets came alive with picnics, cultural performances, sports activities, and events celebrating the European Mobility Week, including the Ioannina Lake Run.

The project successfully demonstrated Ioannina’s commitment to sustainability and climate-sensitive urban solutions. People of all ages, including citizens with disabilities, enjoyed equal access to the public space, highlighting the city’s focus on inclusive, eco-conscious urban planning.

By temporarily transforming the lakeside into a pedestrian-friendly area, Ioannina showed how cities can reimagine public spaces, reduce traffic, promote active mobility, and strengthen community life. This initiative reflects the goals of our project, promoting greener, healthier, and more resilient urban environments across Europe.

The Municipality of Ioannina celebrates the success of this initiative and looks forward to continuing to implement sustainable mobility strategies that benefit residents, visitors, and the natural surroundings of the city.

Learn more about our Replication City Ioannina here.